Pregnancy Guide for Couples: Week 39
Can you believe you are only ONE week away from your due date? Incredible!
What’s Going on with Baby
At Week 39, your baby is the size of a basketball!
Now that you’re at week 39, your baby is finally considered full-term. Believe it or not, their brain is actually 30% bigger than it was just four weeks ago! That’s some significant growth! At this point, baby is likely at their final birth weight. They are taking up so much space now that little amniotic fluid surrounds them in the womb. Basically, baby is ready to see the world and meet their parents!
What’s Going on with Mom
With one week left until your due date, you may be experiencing uncomfortable pains like lower back pain. To relieve lower back pain, try having your partner practice counterpressure techniques on your back. You may also find relief by taking a warm bath or shower. With this pain, you may wonder if labor will start soon. Here are some signs that labor is approaching:
Mom’s mucus plug is discharged (thick, jelly-like from the vagina)
Contractions
Water breaking
Cervical changes (dilation and effacement)
Pelvic pressure
Bloody show (mucus plug with blood)
Keeping an eye on these signs will help you prepare for labor! Remember, not every woman will experience all of these symptoms or signs before labor.
What’s going on with Partner
With labor and delivery right around the corner, we hope you feel confident in supporting Mom when the time comes. Here are some ways you can support Mom during labor:
Remain calm and supportive. Encouragement and a reassuring attitude are helpful.
Be there. Stay by her side throughout labor.
Provide physical comfort. Offer counterpressure massage and back rubs.
Encourage relaxation techniques. Help her breathe deeply and calmly.
Keep her hydrated. Offer her water and ice chips as needed.
Assist with position changes. Help her switch positions as needed.
Advocate for her wishes. Be a voice for her so that birth preferences are respected.
You play a massive role in Mom’s labor and delivery experience, and it’s much appreciated!
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
While we don't recommend stressing about your due date (they're more like "guess dates"), we know that many moms want to do everything they can to prepare their body for labor. Check out this blog for the 5 top evidence-based ways to induce labor naturally.
